Event Permits

The Planning Department issues permits to temporary events on Private Property with and without alcoholic beverages and entertainment. Events may include, but are not limited to, sales events, bazaars, carnivals, music events, circuses and festivals.

Events that are held in City venues are permitted by SevenVenues.

Events that are held in City Parks are permitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Events with Alcohol and/or Entertainment

Application

Permit Requirements

The event permit is needed only if the event meets all of the following criteria:

• On private property
• Open to the public
• Provides entertainment and/or alcoholic beverages
• Will have more than 25 attendees
• Applicants holding a Conditional Use Permit are not eligible for special permits.

A property owner may apply for 4 special events per year.

Fees

$25 if submitted up to 15 days prior to the event. 

Complete applications should be submitted to:
Department of City Planning
5th Floor, City Hall
810 Union Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

Events without Alcohol or Entertainment

Application

Permit Requirements

• No fee is required
• Complete applications should be submitted to zoningDSC@norfolk.gov
• Applications should be submitted 15 days prior to the event.
• No alcohol or entertainment shall by permitted.
• If there is a cover charge/admission fee, a business license will be required. Contact corbt@norfolk.gov for more information.

 Please review the criteria below for the specific type of event.

Carnival and circus

A transitory commercial entertainment, amusement or exhibition which provides amusement rides, concessions, games of skill or chance, and other similar forms of amusement.

• Carnivals and circuses shall be limited to a total of not more than twenty-one (21) days per year.
• Such use need not comply with the yard requirements of this ordinance except that structures or equipment that might block the view of operators of motor vehicles on any public or private street shall not be located within the sight distance triangle defined in Section 8.3.2, Terms Defined.
• Such use need not comply with the maximum height requirements of this ordinance.

Festival, bazaar, and outdoor sale event

A temporary outdoor event providing food products, retail goods, and/or live entertainment to the public.

• Bazaars and outdoor sale events held on property located in any Pedestrian Commercial Overlay district shall comply with the following limitations:
• The event shall be limited to no more than a total of 60 days per year and no more than seven consecutive days;
• Any items or temporary structures associated with the event shall be removed from any outside area each day promptly after the event is closed; and
• The site on which the event is held shall be maintained free of debris and waste at all times.
  • In any other zoning district, the event shall be limited to no more than a total of 14 days per year.
  • Such use need not comply with the yard requirements of this ordinance except that structures or equipment that might block the view of operators of motor vehicles on any public or private street shall not be located within the sight distance triangle defined in Section 8.3.2, Terms Defined.
  • Such use need not comply with the maximum height requirements of this ordinance.

Farmer’s market (as a temporary use)

A collection of vendors using private or publicly owned property or property owned by a not-for-profit organization for the sale of agricultural and horticultural products grown by the vendor, or for the sale of baked, canned, or preserved foods prepared by the vendor operating either regularly or occasionally, but not on a full-time basis.

• The farmers’ market shall operate only with written permission from the owner of the property on which it is located.
• The market shall operate for no more than 52 days in any one calendar year.
• The market shall be open only during daylight hours.
• Except as provided in provision (v) below, the market shall only be located on the open area or parking lot of private or publicly owned property.
• The market may operate inside a public or privately owned building during the months of December through March, for a period not to exceed a total of 30 days.
• The market shall provide adequate ingress, egress, and off-street parking areas. Vehicular access to the property shall not be by means of streets internal to single-family neighborhoods or areas.
• Market sales shall be limited to the retail sale of agriculture, aquaculture, and horticulture products produced by the vendor, including the sale of products made by the vendor from such products (e.g., baked goods, jams and jellies, juices, cheeses) and incidental sales of crafts or similar home-made products made by the vendor.
• Items for sale shall not be displayed or stored within customer pathways.
• The market shall have an established set of operating rules addressing the governance structure of the market, hours of operation, and maintenance and security requirements and responsibilities.
• The market shall have a manager authorized to direct the operations of all participating vendors during all hours of operation.

Flea market (as a temporary use)

A collection of vendors using private or publicly owned property or property owned by a not-for-profit organization for the sale of new or used merchandise from individual stalls, tables, or other spaces, operating either regularly or occasionally, but not on a full-time basis.

• The market shall operate for no more than 14 days in any one calendar year.
• The market shall be open only during daylight hours.
• The market shall only be located on the open area or parking lot of property owned by a public agency or a registered not-for-profit organization.
• Stalls, sales tables, and any other facilities related to the flea market shall be located at least 25 feet from any adjoining street. If located within a parking lot, the facilities shall be located so as to provide sufficient parking facilities for the patrons.
• Market sales shall be limited to the retail sale of merchandise, collectibles, crafts, antiques, and other items, excluding automobiles, automobile parts, and non-portable household appliances.
• Items for sale shall not be displayed or stored within customer pathways.
• The market shall have an established set of operating rules addressing the governance structure of the market, hours of operation, and maintenance and security requirements and responsibilities.